Oliveira began his managerial career as a coach at his first club Santos, joining the under-15 squad in 2009 and leading them to a Campeonato Paulista under-15 title.[4] The following year, he was promoted to under-17s and won the Campeonato Paulista of the category. In 2011, Oliveira was assigned to the under-20s. He went on to win both Campeonato Paulista in 2012 and Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior in 2013; the latter came after a 29-year absence.[5]

On 31 May 2013, after Muricy Ramalho's dismissal, Oliveira was appointed manager of the first team in Série A.[6] His first game in charge occurred the following day, a 1–1 home draw against Grêmio,[7] and his first victory came on 12 June, in a 1–0 home defeat of Atlético Mineiro.[8]

Oliveira remained in charge of the main squad until the end of the season,[9] leading the side to a seventh place overall. After being relieved from his duties and being replaced by Oswaldo de Oliveira, he signed with Goiás.[10]

On 25 April 2018, Oliveira replaced sacked Nelsinho Baptista at the helm of Sport.[21] On 12 August, after a 3–1 home loss against São Paulo, he left the club,[22] and returned to Paraná for a third spell three days later.[23]

On 16 October 2018, Oliveira resigned from Paraná and moved to fellow first division strugglers Chapecoense.[24] Despite avoiding relegation at the end of the season, he was sacked the following 17 March, and was returned to Goiás on 23 April.[25]